Ikaruga Temple

In A.D.606, Empress Suiko awarded territory to Prince Regent Shotoku Taishi for his distinguished service. Shotoku made donations to 3 temples including the Horyuji Temple to promote Buddhism. The site and the surrounding area of the Ikaruga Temple were donated to the Horyuji at that time. The Imperial Court and the Bakufu (warrior government) provided special protection to the land in honor of Shotoku. Then Ikaruga Temple was built, whose architectural arrangement of buildings such as the Nio-mon gate, the Auditorium, the Shotoku-den, and the Three-storied Pagoda is very similar to the Horyuji. The temple was burned down in 1541, and was rebuilt later. Until now, a lot of people have had faith in the temple in honor of "O-taishi-san."　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　

The Three-storied Pagoda

The pagoda is the oldest building of the Ikaruga Temple. It was rebuilt in 1562 after being burned down in 1541. Though relatively small, the pagoda is well-proportioned and is a masterpiece from the last years of the Muromachi Era. Also, it is the only old building in western Harima area that was designated as an important cultural property by the national government.

Haru-eshiki (spring festival) is held every year on the 22nd and 23rd of February in honor of the anniversary of Prince Regent Shotoku Taishi's death.

In thefestival, lots of booths are set up and the festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors.
Natsu-eshiki (summer festival) is also held every year on the 22nd and 23rd of August.